Auburn Adds Fifth-Year Utah State Transfer Guard Kolby King

Auburn is adding another experienced piece to its men’s basketball roster, bringing in Utah State transfer guard Kolby King for the 2026-27 season. The move gives the Tigers another veteran option in the backcourt as head coach Steven Pearl continues shaping his first Auburn roster.

King’s arrival comes after a recent court ruling opened the door for a group of college basketball players to receive an additional season of eligibility. King was among those affected by the ruling, allowing him to return for a fifth year and continue his college career at Auburn.

The 6-foot-2 guard brings considerable college experience to the Tigers. King has played at four different programs in four seasons, beginning at St. John’s before spending time at Tulane, Butler and, most recently, Utah State. Across those stops, he has appeared in 127 games, giving Auburn a player who has already experienced multiple levels of college basketball.

King spent the 2025-26 season at Utah State, where he came off the bench in all 36 games. He averaged 7.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting approximately 39% from three-point range. His role was not that of a primary scorer, but his ability to contribute from the perimeter gives Auburn another potential shooting option.

His experience could be particularly valuable for Auburn because the Tigers are bringing together a roster with several new pieces. Rather than relying exclusively on young players to provide depth, Auburn can now turn to a fifth-year guard who has already played in a variety of systems.

King’s best statistical season came during his time at Tulane. That experience, combined with his two seasons in the Big East at St. John’s and Butler, gives him familiarity with high-level college com

The move also addresses Auburn’s need for additional guard depth. King is not expected to walk into the program as the centerpiece of the offense, but he can potentially provide valuable minutes, perimeter shooting and experience when the Tigers need another option in the rotation.

His ability to play without dominating the ball could be another benefit. Auburn already has talented guards and perimeter players expected to handle significant offensive responsibilities. A veteran such as King can potentially complement those players by spacing the floor and providing an experienced presence.

The timing of the addition makes the move even more interesting. The fifth-year eligibility ruling created an unusual late opportunity for players and programs to make roster adjustments. Auburn was quick to take advantage, adding King after identifying him as a player who could strengthen the backcourt.

For King, the move represents another chapter in an unusual college career. He will now play for his fifth different program in five seasons, a rare path that has given him exposure to several coaching staffs, teammates and playing styles.

That experience could help him adapt quickly at Auburn. While learning a new system is never simple, King has already gone through that process several times during his college career.

Auburn is also adding King to a roster that has undergone substantial turnover. The Tigers have brought in several transfers and newcomers, including players from Vanderbilt, South Alabama, Troy, Creighton and Santa Clara, among others. King adds another experienced piece to that group.

The Tigers will likely ask him to embrace a complementary role. His three-point shooting could allow him to stretch defenses, while his experience gives Auburn another dependable option when injuries, foul trouble or matchup issues affect the rotation.

There is no expectation that King will suddenly become Auburn’s primary offensive weapon. His value is more likely to come from the little things: knocking down open shots, defending his assignment, taking care of the basketball and giving the Tigers competent minutes when their starters need a break.

Still, those contributions can become important over the course of a long SEC season. Depth is especially valuable in conference play, where Auburn will face a demanding schedule filled with experienced teams.

For Auburn, this is a relatively low-risk addition with potentially meaningful upside. The Tigers have gained a veteran guard without needing to wait for a young player to develop before he can contribute.

King’s arrival also gives Pearl another experienced voice in the locker room. After playing at four previous schools and appearing in 127 college games, he has experienced the highs and challenges that come with navigating college basketball.

Ultimately, Auburn will hope King can provide exactly what its roster needs: reliable depth, perimeter shooting and experience. His 7.5 points per game at Utah State may not jump off the page, but his 39% three-point shooting and extensive college résumé make him an intriguing late addition.

The Tigers’ decision to capitalize on the new eligibility opportunity could prove valuable when the season begins. If King settles into his role and provides consistent minutes, Auburn may look back on this late roster addition as an important piece of its 2026-27 team.